New Jersey Youth Power Their Way to a STEM Future

New Jersey-based nonprofit Students 2 Science is working to prepare the future workforce by sparking interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields among students in economically disadvantaged communities. The organization helps students in elementary through high school explore STEM careers and education by inspiring them through experiential learning opportunities at Students 2 Science’s technology centers and through relationships with local companies in the STEM field.

According to Olivia Felder, Director of the Career Advancement Program at Students 2 Science, STEM-focused corporations account for 70% of all U.S. jobs and are growing at a rate of 50% faster than the national average. Without initiatives from organizations like Students 2 Science, there could be as many as 3.5 million unfulfilled STEM jobs by 2025. 

FirstEnergy and the FirstEnergy Foundation have supported Students 2 Science’s mission by introducing New Jersey youth to careers within the electric utility industry and by donating nearly $10,000 to support the organization’s programs. FirstEnergy electric company Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) recently welcomed more than 20 Students 2 Science participants to its headquarters in Holmdel to showcase the wide range of careers available at an electric company beyond line work. 

“Supporting Students 2 Science helps create a pipeline of interest among local youth for future careers at JCP&L and FirstEnergy and provides opportunities for these students to explore and pursue rewarding STEM professions,” said Bob Flynn, an external affairs consultant at JCP&L and liaison with Students 2 Science.  

During the students’ visit, distribution system operators demonstrated how control center operators work and interact with field crews while engineers highlighted the role of electrical equipment such as fuses, regulators and reclosers in managing power delivery. Additionally, safety gear like sleeves and gloves were showcased to emphasize the importance of personnel protection.

“Our students especially appreciated the information on the many STEM internship and career opportunities available with FirstEnergy and JCP&L company,” said Felder. “They learned about the importance of providing for the electricity needs of homes in New Jersey, and it was a great learning experience for the next generation of STEM leaders.” 

For more information about the company’s internship and career opportunities, please visit firstenergycorp.com/careers.